Have you ever noticed how certain thoughts seem to hit harder when you’re already under stress? It’s like the enemy knows exactly when to poke and prod, whispering doubts, fears, and frustrations right when we’re most vulnerable.
Maybe it’s a moment where you feel overwhelmed at work. Suddenly the thought pops up: You’re failing. Or maybe a tough conversation with a loved one leaves you thinking, You’re not good enough.
Here’s a simple idea that might just shake you loose in those moments: do the opposite.
If the thought in your head is, I’m failing, say out loud or in your heart: I’m still standing, and God’s not done with me.
If the thought is, I’m not good enough, flip it: I am made in God’s image. I belong to Him.
It’s not magic. It’s not pretending everything’s fine. It’s more like grabbing the steering wheel before the car goes off the road. It’s a way of calling out the lie and choosing a different path—one that leads back toward truth, peace, and stability.
And here’s the kicker: when you invite God into that moment—when you ask, Lord, help me turn this thought around—He shows up. He always does. Sometimes it’s a sense of peace. Other times it’s clarity, or even just a breath that helps you reset.
James 4:7 tells us to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. This practice might be one small way of doing just that. Not by fighting fire with fire, but by choosing to speak light into darkness. It’s not always easy, especially when the pressure is on. But even pausing to consider the opposite of what you’re thinking can be enough to break the cycle and help you find your footing again.
We’re all in this journey together. One of the best things about our group is that we don’t have to pretend we have it all together. We share tools, encouragement, and reminders like this one—not because we’re perfect, but because we’re learning how to lean on God more every day.
So the next time a negative or anxious thought shows up uninvited, try doing the opposite. Speak truth. Claim peace. And invite God into the moment. You might be surprised how much lighter you feel just by flipping the script.
Questions:
- Do you agree that we are most vulnerable to negative thoughts when we are already under stress?
- What lies or negative thoughts do you find yourself believing most often?
- How do you usually try to reset your thinking in tough moments? What role does prayer or Scripture play for you?
- What role do other men—friends, mentors, or this group—play in helping you recognize and resist false thinking?
- Do you have any other thoughts or strategies we haven’t covered that might help other men when they encounter the lies of the enemy?
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